Class syllabus—History 7

The History of Modern Asia

The Pacific Century… To what does that increasingly common phrase refer? The past one, the 20^th? That’s when the Western World involuntarily yanked most of Asia into "modern times". That’s when the Asians cast off Western colonial empires and began an accelerated process of industrialization. Or does it refer to the coming century, a time when the Pacific Rim may be the dominant economic force in the world? This class will focus on Pacific Asia, with emphasis on East Asia (Japan, China, Korea) and Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia). The class will analyze the process of colonialism, the various responses to it, the uniquely American brand of interference, and will finish up with an economic analysis of the Asian "Miracle".

Instead of one huge, stressful midterm, there will be two or three smaller e xaminations. The exams may consist of multiple choice, short answer, and essay questions. Grading will be on the curve, and will include credit for classroom attendance and class participation.

Term Paper. Instead of a final exam, this year students will prepare a research paper on a topic of their choice, after approval by the instructor. Details of the paper will be made available during the class.

The Pacific Century. The Emergence of Modern Pacific Asia, Mark Borthwick, 1998, 2^nd ed. This textbook is required reading.

1. Historical background—dynasties, empires and hstoric commerce.
• A. The First Chinese Empire
• B. An Overview of Japanese History
• C. Southeast Asian Background
2. The invasion by the west
• A. Early European Advances
• B. Missionaries and Soldiers in Southeast Asia
• C. The Opening of Japan

 

1. The Rise of nationalism and communism
• A. The Philippines
• B. Indonesia
• C. China
• D. Vietnam
• E. Korea
2. The Pacific War and its aftermath
• A. The Eagle and The Rising Sun—Japan and the U.S. at war.
• B. The Rebuilding of Japan and the modern Japanese Economy.
3. The new asian capitalists
4. The advent of democracy in Asia
5. Sentimental imperialists—The u.s. in Asia
• A. The "loss" of China, and its impact on American politics
• B. The Korean War
• C. The Vietnam War
6. The Pacific Century—Regional and Global Perspectives

Contact Information.

Thomas Owen’s e-mail: tom-owen@redwoods.edu

Telephone: (707) 465-2361

Fax: (707) 464-6867

Office Hours will be posted, but include 10:00-10:30 a.m. on Tuesday and Thursday. Professor Owen’s office is located in the new Faculty Office Building behind the main campus building.